Incomplete FAI Due to Incorrect Variable and Attribute Data Recording
Published .
Related
- AS13100
- AS9100
Topics
- fai
- first-article-inspection
- as9102
- variable-data
- attribute-data
- form-3
- inspection
- data-integrity
A supplier submitted a First Article Inspection (FAI) package for a component with numerous dimensional and feature requirements. For design characteristics with numerical limits, such as diameters and positional tolerances, the supplier recorded "Pass" or "Compliant" in the results field on the AS9102 Form 3. The supplier believed this was sufficient to indicate conformance to the engineering drawing.
The FAI package was rejected for failing to record the required variable data. AS9102 requires that quantitative measurement results be recorded for all characteristics that have specified numerical limits. A simple pass/fail statement is considered attribute data and is only acceptable for characteristics without numerical limits, such as a requirement to "break all sharp edges.
Key Takeaways
- The incomplete report broke the traceability required to validate the production process against the design definition.
- The supplier had to expend resources to re-inspect the part, properly record all numerical results, and resubmit the entire FAI package, delaying first lot acceptance.
- The FAI package was rejected for failing to record the required variable data.
Common Mistakes
- A simple pass/fail statement is considered attribute data and is only acceptable for characteristics without numerical limits, such as a requirement to "break all sharp edges."
- Missing balloon numbers on the drawing.
- Title block requirements not accounted for on Form 3.
- Drawing notes not captured as characteristics.
Best Practice
Verify that all FAI results are recorded in the correct format per AS9102 requirements; record the actual measurement value (variable data) for any feature with a numerical limit, and use attribute results (e. g. , "Pass," "Conforming") only for characteristics without such limits.
Reflects the recommended position based on community discussion and expert review.
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